#GirlCrush

#GirlCrush: Sarah Wells

Last year, the Pan Am Games were held in my beautiful city, TORONTO! Canada took home a total of 217 medals: 78 Gold, 69 Silver, and 70 Bronze.

Among those winners was Toronto’s own Sarah Wells who took home both a silver and bronze medal in track and field. With her girl-next-door looks, friendly personality, and dominance on the track, this Canadian powerhouse is my #GirlCrush of the month.

Sarah was born on November 10, 1989 in Unionville, a small town just outside of Toronto. She grew up with three other siblings who were all raised in an active sporting community. She was involved in baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and curling, and it wasn’t until she was in her teens that she discovered her love and talent for running.

During her high school years, one of her teachers recognized her talent and invited her to train with the University of Toronto Junior Development program. She continued to work with her coach at university when she decided to study Physical Education and Kinesiology at the University of Toronto. Sarah’s track events include the 400 meter hurdles as well as the 4 x 400 meter relay. In the eight years which she’s worked with her coach Dave Hunt, they’ve been able to accomplished the following titles:

3-time National Champion

5-time National Team Member

Representative for Canada in multiple World Youth, World Junior, and Pan American Junior Championships

Like any elite athlete, Sarah had the goal of being an Olympic competitor. Just prior to the 2012 Olympics, Sarah was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her left femur, which unfortunately sidelined her training for nine months. She was extremely disappointed but refused to let this injury defeat her. With support from family, friends, and a team of physicians and coaches, she was able to run Olympic standards and made the 2012 Canadian Olympic team! Her performance was impressive – she made it to the semi-finals which ranked her in the top 24 of the world. Not bad for being one of the youngest competitors at the Games at the age of 23. Feeding off her PanAm success, Sarah has her sights set on the 2016 Olympics in Rio where she hopes to improve her 2012 performance. We have no doubt her passion and work ethic will help her reach that goal.

In addition to her love of sports, Sarah Wells is a great role model in promoting youth participation in athletics. With plenty of experience to draw from in terms of youth athletics, she can connect with children of all ages to talk about the benefits of participating in sports. She plans to continue her motivational speaking career in the hopes of encouraging others to reach their goals and dreams, despite obstacles which may arise.

More reasons why Sarah is my #GirlCrush:

Owns the Canadian Youth under 17 record of 59.48 seconds in the 400m hurdles

Chi Malixi has been in the Fitness & Wellness industry for over 10 years. A graduate of Health & Fitness Promotion, Chi is currently a Fitness Consultant, Personal Trainer Specialist, Weight Loss Coach and a Registered Yoga Teacher. She continues to share her passion in guiding others towards their fitness goals and aspiration through education and motivation.